What did Julian Schnabel say about the creative process?

Schnabel argued that artists create as a way to "transgress death," with their work becoming the thing that lasts.

How did Schnabel describe his own mortality?

Schnabel acknowledged that he is not going to be around for much longer, saying "I'm not going to be around here for very long" and that he might only have a few more years.

What is Schnabel's latest film about?

Schnabel's latest film, "In the Hand of Dante," is adapted from Nick Tosches' 2002 novel and stars Oscar Isaac as both the medieval poet Dante Alighieri and a modern-day author.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Renowned Artist Schnabel Reflects on Mortality and Creative Legacy

Renowned Artist Schnabel Reflects on Mortality and Creative Legacy

30 Oct

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Summary

Filmmaker Julian Schnabel discusses themes of art and the creative process
Argues artists create to confront fear of death, with their work as a way to "transgress death"
Acknowledges his own mortality, saying "I'm not going to be around here for very long"

Renowned Artist Schnabel Reflects on Mortality and Creative Legacy

On October 28, 2025, renowned artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel participated in a post-screening Q&A, where he discussed themes of art and the creative process. Schnabel, known for his distinctive artist smock and fedora, argued that artists create as a way to confront their fear of death.

"Whether you're an actor or you're a painter, you're using yourself as a guinea pig and the tool, and you make this thing and the thing becomes the thing that lasts. It's a way of transgressing death," Schnabel insisted. He then added, "I'm not going to be around here for very long. I might be here for a few more years." Even if he lived to be 100 years old, Schnabel emphasized that "the thing is the work, becoming the poem is the thing."